Unsurprisingly, being stuck inside due to the pandemic, and a few other reasons that had me looking to take a break from reality – last year (in 2020) I read more books than ever have before: 85!
This is just under 35 more books than I read in 2019, which had been my record up to that point. It’s crazy when you think about it, but in the midst of the utter craziness that was 2020, it surely was a bright spot to get that much reading in.
I don’t push through books I really don’t like, so I enjoyed everything that I finished, but there were definitely a few books that rose to the top and stood out among the rest. I tried to keep my list to a minimum, but with 85 books to pick from – there were a LOT that I loved!
Non-Fiction
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My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams. This was frankly a FASCINATING telling about fake heiress/scammer Anna Delvey (aka Anna Sorokin) and I listened to Rachel’s story of how Anna conned her, ultimately getting her to pay for their stay in Morocco (to the tune of over $60,000), with RAPT attention! ABC’s 20/20 just covered this story’s updates, and I continue to be amazed at the level of Anna’s psychopathy and just how she was able to manipulate people and keep the scam going for so long. (I listened to this on audio, as I do with a lot of nonfiction, and I thought it was really well-done).
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I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who hasn’t heard of this book – or at least the Golden State Killer (now known to be Joseph D’Angelo) – at this point. I listened to this audiobook at the height of the pandemic while walking around my neighborhood – often at dusk – which is terrifying looking back, and I think that alone will tell you just how desperate I was to get out of the house! This is one of the best – in my opinion and many others – true crime books out there today, and McNamara’s investigative efforts and writing are remarkable. I have this paperback now, and I’ll likely read this one again.
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Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow. This is another true crime, so to speak – it’s the telling of the takedown of Harvey Weinstein and everything else associated with that. I can honestly say that I knew this situation was bad, but after reading it (also on audio), it was SO MUCH WORSE than I thought. I cannot believe what he got away with for so long, and I cannot even think of how many other high powered people have gotten away with the same. A remarkably compelling, well-written book – very deserving of its Pulitzer.
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Rabbit by Patricia Williams. I read this book in one night. I started at about 8pm, and finished at 3am – it was just that GOOD. Williams tells her life story – of Ms. Pat, and of when she was known as Rabbit – and I’ve never laughed or cried so hard at a book before. She is SO FUNNY, but the reality is harsh. The writing is excellent, and Ms. Williams’ life story is one that is important to hear, especially if you’ve ever judged the path that one has taken and choices they’ve made – and who hasn’t. It’s important to realize how some choices are made based on survival and the incredible amount of strength and resilience that’s involved – and Rabbit makes that clear.
Fiction
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Long Bright River by Liz Moore. In this novel – not a very short one, but I read it in one day – Moore gives a window into the lives that many of us see, and maybe judge, from the outside. Set somewhat locally – in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, which is unfortunately known for crime and drug activity – Moore tells the story of two sisters, one who is a police officer, and the other who is one of the many victims of the area’s opioid epidemic. It’s part mystery and part complex family story, navigating the relationship between the two sisters whose lives have been fraught with trauma.
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The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James. I can’t say I’m typically a ghost-story reader, but this hardback found its way to me, and I decided to give it a try – and I’m so glad I did!! It’s really well written and super engaging, and the way that the supernatural element is woven into the story is perfect and not too ‘out there.’
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Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster. This was a summer book club book, and I honestly think it’s the perfect summer read! There’s a vacation in a fancy place, rich people behaving badly, a few buried-and-uncovered secrets, an unexpected twist, and a very satisfying ending – a great beach read, for sure!!
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A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight. Another very intriguing story with more rich people behaving badly – this was also a great beach read!! After reading Reconstructing Amelia for our book club and McCreight actually attending our meeting (via Skype), her books are an auto-buy for me, as I’m eager to support her, and I think this has been my favorite. This was a ‘bonus’ book for our book club last summer, and we had a really fun discussion about what goes on in the story (if you read the book you can imagine our chat!!).
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Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved this book – both because of the story and also the author’s craft. Saints for All Occasions is the story of two sisters, the choices they make, and the consequences that come from those choices. It is a book about family, and a book about motherhood, and it offers a remarkable perspective about what makes both. Like all of Sullivan’s books, this was impeccably written, leaving no detail or loose end unaccounted for, which, as a reader, is incredibly satisfying. The characters come off the page as actual people, and you relate to their complexities and life struggles – and also join in their happiness. This book has definitely made it on my list of favorite books of all time!
Young Adult/Teen
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Lovely War by Julie Berry. I’ll admit that this book made it to my TBR stack based on the cover and the fact that it was a nice, thick paperback, and it has made it to my ‘favorite books’ list because of how epically beautiful it is. I’m not a huge fan of mythology, but the way this story is told by Greek Gods (i.e. Aphrodite) is so unique and so utterly lovely – and the story that is told is equally lovely. Set during WWI, yet addressing themes that are still extremely relevant today, the characters face incredible challenges yet love prevails. In the midst of a lot of so-so and questionable book options for teens, this book is extremely engaging yet also a totally suitable option for the teenager – or adult – who loves to read!